Vigor of Twelve is a play off of the fact that Jesus had twelve disciples. It is a name that helps stress an importance on discipleship. This blog is specifically geared for younger people and mature Christians who don't mind a fresh, bold, and blunt approach to faith. Comments welcome, let's begin the discussion!

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Monday, October 8, 2012

1 Timothy 6:13-16

Paul
reminds Timothy that he is always before God and in the presence of Jesus
Christ. Thus, he should be mindful of
what he does. He should also be mindful
of the fact that when Jesus was under intense pressure before Pontius Pilate he
modeled being able to make the difficult choices and keep the faith. Paul also reminds Timothy that at the proper
time God will reveal Jesus Christ to the world a second time. Paul then encourages Timothy to remember that
Jesus is Sovereign, King of Kings, and Lord of Lords. Jesus is immortal and dwells in the
unapproachable light of God. It is this
God who deserves honor and it is this God who has eternal dominion.

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

Again,
Paul reminds Timothy to be mindful of what he does. The burden of leadership is often weighty –
although often with great reward.
However, one does not become a leader unless one is willing to make the
difficult choices of living to a higher standard. Jesus demonstrates this to us
completely. Jesus came and taught. He was always among the people. People were always demanding of Him. He was arrested and tried. He had to own up to the fact that He was the
Christ. He went to the cross because God
asked Him to go. Leadership is always
tough and full of tough choices. But
through the Holy Spirit and with encouragement from others it can be done!

When
have you had to make a tough choice because you want to demonstrate your
calling to lead? When have you failed to
make a tough choice that was expected of you?
Why is it inspiring that Timothy needs to hear these words from
Paul? What does it say about Paul that
he knows enough to give these words of encouragement to Timothy?

Second Thought:

Jesus
will come a second time. Jesus will
appear again. Jesus is coming back. What’s more is that Jesus will appear at the
right time. God is in control. God knows when that right time will be. The King will return and demonstrate to the
rulers of this world who really is the King.
The Lord will come and remind those who have power over another person
who really is the Lord.

Why
is it important to really understand that Lord of Lords implies that God is the
true Lord and those who are “lords” in this world will be subject to Him? In what way can this be seen as a
challenge? In what way can this be seen
as a threat? What does it mean to you
that Jesus is going to appear again?
What do you think that day will be like?

Third Thought:

Dominion. In the Greek language, this word means to
exert power over or to rule. Both of
these statements are completely true about God.
God can exert His power any time.
God can dictate something and it will happen. However, God’s power isn’t always
dominating. God’s power can work subtle
through our actions as well. Either way,
God’s will is done. It demonstrates His
incredible power over us and His incredible ability to be in dominion. Yet, at the same time it shows us that
although He has the power to dominate, having dominion does not mandate that
domination be exercised all the time.

What
does it mean to you that God has dominion over this world? What does it mean to you that although God
has absolute power, he does not choose to dominate over us? How can you implement these ideas into your
life?